High Inca Trail Program - 7 Day

US$ 1200 * per person

A magnificent and challenging trek to Machu Picchu via the lesser known ‘High Inca Trail’. This trek really does
provide the best of Southern Peru’s magnificent mountain scenery combined with the Archaeological heritage of
the classical Inca Trail. Hiking into the stunning rugged terrain we’re presented with incredible Mountain Vistas in
the glacial valley above the Mollepata, an isolated community in the mighty Apurimac Canyon

Climbing up the
valley from the village the stunning peaks of Tucarhuay (5,910m), Huamantay and Salkantay (6,271m) rise into
heavens around us – just as it doesn’t seem possible to become more spectacular an even more impressive vista
presents itself. We spend 2 days in the company of these peaks. Passing under Salkantay’s glacial eastern shoulder
we cross the challenging Inca Chiriasca Pass, at 4880m the highest point on our journey – a crossing not to
be underestimated. Condors are sometimes seen soaring effortlessly on 3 m wings around these chilly heights.

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa

Picked up early (from Cuzco) we begin our spectacular High Inca Trail journey to the edges of the Vilcabamba Mountains and our trailhead at Mollepata. We hike through forest towards the huge snow peak of Tucarhuay and the grass filled valley of Soraypampa at 3700m. Make camp and have a tasty dinner while enjoying our wild surrounds (L, D).

Day 2: Soraypampa to Pampajaponesa.

Continue up the valley for about 6-7 hours, magnificent views of Salkantay and the surrounding peaks towering above us. Our campsite at Pampa japonesa is only about 1km of away from the vast glacial bulk of Salkantay itself. At 4300m this offers a good opportunity to acclimatise to the high altitude. (B,L,D).

Day 3: Pampajaponesa to Sisaypampa.

Today we begin a tough 4 hour climb to the eastern shoulder of Salkantay, hiking up steep trails and scree slopes to spectacular Incachiriaska Pass at 4,880m. We begin our High Inca Trail descent into the valley of Quebrada Sisaypampa. After just over 2 hours of descent we reach our campsite for a well earned rest. (B,L,D).

Day 4: Sisaypampa to Huayllabamba.

Descend further into the Sisaypampa Valley. You reach the remote and friendly village Pampacahuana. We come to the Inca Archaeological site known as Incarajay. Just below at Huayllabamba is the point we join the ‘classic’ Inca trail route to Machu Picchu. Camp in Huayllabamba. (B,L,D).

Day 5: Huayllabamba to Pacaymayu.

We hike up past Llulluchampa, through an area of lush cloud forest. Continuing upward we climb to the 4200m pass of Warmiwañusca, ‘dead woman pass’. After taking in amazing scenery, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley where we camp, have dinner and recover from the ‘High Inca Trail’ day’s challenge! (B,L,D).

Day 6: Pacaymayu to Wiñay Wayna.

Climb Inca stairs to reach a second pass at 3850m. There are spectacular views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. The trail continues and climbs again, fringed with cloud forest to a third pass. From the pass there is a descent of more than 1000m to the ruins of Wiñay Huayna (Forever Young) and the extensive terraces of Intipata. Camp. (B,L,D).

Day 7: Wiñay Huayna, Machu Picchu and Cusco.

This morning we hike for about an hour to reach Intipunku, ‘the Sun Gate’. From here we look down on the Inca citadel of Machupicchu from our fabulous viewpoint. Walking down to the site we have a 2-3 hour guided tour of the site. Free time to explore – there’s also the (optional) possibility to climb the steep peak of Huayna Picchu, rising to the north of the ruins. We descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch and the afternoon train back to Cuzco. On arrival in Cusco you will be transferred back to a hotel of your choice. End of our High Inca Trail trek. (B).

High Inca Trail Program - 7 Day

Descending on the far side of Salkantay the Sisaypampa Valley and ancient but still used Inca Irrigation channels
guide us towards the ‘classic ‘ Inca Trail route, where we re-join the trail just before the tough rewarding 4200m
Warmiwañusqa, the legendary ‘Dead Woman Pass’. The following days present not only views of epic mountain
scenery and wild natural habitats but also fascinating Inca Ruins on what was obviously an important and strategic
highway through these mountains. Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay-Wayna are among the beautifully
located sights you pass on route but few trek endings can offer as stunning views as reaching Intipunku, the ‘Sun
Gate’.

From Intipunku you can gaze down at the classic image of Machu-Picchu spread out below you in the early
morning light, mist rising from the precipitous valleys and cloud forest shrouded mountains surrounding the ‘Lost
City’ on 3 sides.
Our ‘High Inca Trail’ trek ends with a day to explore Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, justifiably
voted one of ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ and discovered by Hiram Bingham ‘the real Indiana Jones’ in
1911. Truly a fabulous way to finish a magnificent Peruvian Adventure.

• Travel Insurance is not included – a good policy covering all tour activities and possible health emergencies is
highly recommended and should be considered a priority.
• International flights can be purchased independently or by consulting Machete Tours.
• Tipping is expected in Peru (although this is not essential).
• Airport Tax for international flights (currently $35).
• Meals not specified in the program
• Alcoholic beverages

Required documents

All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.

Required immunizations

Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations. The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500 ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malarial and yellow fever zone. The yellow fever vaccination is reccomended and travelers may wish to take malarial prophylaxis. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.

Things to bring

One should come prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging from 35° to 85° Fahrenheit / 2° to 30° Celsius, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. A recommended list of things to bring:Please note: We provide a sleeping bag, foam mat, and of course tent. While hiking the Inca Trail, porters will accompany us to carry most of our things, including all the camping gear. Each passenger is allowed 15 pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the porters. Such items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, music, or other entertainment, etc. During the day we’ll be using a daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear, and a layer or two for changing weather conditions. Most people also carry a camera.

Passport and, if necessary, visa

ATM card (notify your bank you will be travelling to Peru)

Airline ticket

Photocopies of airline ticket and documents

Wearable pouch for documents and money

Sturdy backpack or suitcase

Smaller, comfortable day pack

Hiking boots or sneakers, comfortable and worn-in

Sandals or flip-flops

Rain poncho or jacket

Waterproof pants

Sun hat

Hat for cold weather

Warm clothing for cold weather (think layers)

T-shirts

Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments

Swimsuit for hot springs

Camelback or Nalgene refillable bottle (optional)

Flashlight and/or head lamp

Sunscreen (biodegradable & eco-friendly)

Insect repellent (biodegradable & eco-friendly)

Lip balm

Earplugs

Alarm clock or watch

Sanitizing hand wipes or gel

Camera / Camera batteries

Binoculars

Reading material

Toiletries

It is best to bring from home such items as prescription medications, eyewear and care, unusual film and camera batteries. Please bring all used batteries back home with you to recycle!

Baggage

For your international flights, please check with your airline. Within Peru, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs) of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small, purse-like item. The carry-on size regulations are the same as international carry-on size regulations.

Climate

Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:

Cusco and the Sacred Valley: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are chilly in Cusco.Lake Titicaca: similar to Cusco but colder.Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain.Amazon basin: hot and humid year-round. We recommend light clothing (in weight and in color) that fully cover arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites.

Money guide

The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Automatic cash points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler’s checks are difficult to cash (American Express is best but you may be charged 5-8% to cash) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options. Do not bring Money Grams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged. Please note that cash must be untorn. It can be older-looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable. Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in country. Expect to spend about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru. Artisan market prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between $5 and $30. Currency Converter

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Highlights

Happy Stories

We had a great time and everything went perfectly. Machete Tours planned everything so well that we had a completely stress-free time. We look forward to planning our next South American excursion with Machete Tours. We would highly recommend them to anyone interested in visiting the area.

Amber Hitchens

Will definitely recommend you to others. Excellent service in all areas- transfer, guides- all at reasonable cost.

Richard Hope

Machete Tours

Machete Tours is dedicated to providing the best customer service possible. at Machete Tours we ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime